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“There's a difference between belonging and love . . . It's the difference between being someone's treasure and being treasured by someone.”
― Ellie Lieberman, A Dragon's Treasure

“Longing takes me back to him, takes me back into the arms of my Beloved. And This is the ancient path of the mystic, of those who are destined to make the journey to the further shores of love.”
― Prajakta Mhadnak

“Our personal mythologies intermingle with the myths of the land. We become part of a place and its history. And even when we do not originate from a place, dwelling with intention helps us be of a place. We become local. In other words, to dwell with intention is an act of homecoming.”
― Solstice, The Earth Spirit Hearth and Home

“Tribes are not to be trifled with. Your ability to thrive depends on the tribe.”
― Scott Perry, Endeavor: Cultivate Excellence While Making a Difference

“I have a choice.
Instead of worrying what others think,
I realize no one else
can change who I am inside.
I choose to feel proud of who I am,
even if I am different.
Because each tree is valuable because
it brings something unique to the world.
I believe in myself.
I know I am exactly as I am meant to be,
like a seed who knows it is a tree,
Âá³Ü²õ³Ù…n´Ç³Ù…y±ð³Ù.&°ù»å±ç³Ü´Ç;
― Lauren Martin, Insecurity is a Seed

“Members of your tribe are fellow travelers. The tribe exists to further every member’s journey and well-being. Generosity and compassion are expected. Promiscuity and posing are frowned upon. Selfishness or manipulation lead to ostracism.”
― Scott Perry, Endeavor: Cultivate Excellence While Making a Difference

“Everyone looks for different things in friendship, but deep down, everyone is trying to find the same stuff; acceptance and belonging.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Laughing with blood relatives
amidst memorable melodies
in the background, styrofoam
plate in hand, topped with
foods that restaurants can’t
duplicate, it hit me:
I don’t belong here.

Staring at an unbelievable
sunrise from a balcony villa
in Tanzania, it hit me:
I don’t belong here.

Recognized and awarded for
notable news journalism, a few
semesters away from achieving
a prestigious degree decorated
with promised opportunities,
it hit me: I don’t belong here.

Hoping quietly for the best, to
“win my husband over� with
traditional submission,
more frequent sex,
and minimized speech,
it hit me: I don’t belong here.

Walking down a dusty
Egyptian street filled with
the welcoming laughter of
carefree children, it hit me:
I don’t belong here.

Sitting in a church pew
notating another good
message, clapping to some
of my favorite songs, and
then exiting to talk with
familiar faces, it hit me:
I don’t belong here.

Communing with those who
know who the “real chosen�
are, beholding their unknown
names unmasked, and secret
knowledges revealed
to ponder incessantly,
it hit me: I don’t belong here.

Placed underneath the
wanting body of a rare man
who showed me
unprecedented love,
it hit me: I don’t belong here.

My soul.
My mind.
My body.
Each malnourished.

My community.
My life purpose.
Both misplaced.

All starving for home.

So, I moved. Not to what looks
and feels good for them, but to
what ”
― Zara Hairston

“Home is not just where we come from. Home is where we choose to belong.”
― Jeanette LeBlanc